Man released after arrest in Augusta County for violation of school property

On February 7, 2025By Littum

Augusta County, Va. (WHSV) – Zachary Cruz has been released after Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police arrested him on Tuesday and accused him with three wrongdoing.

Cruz was seen at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center around 10 p.m. 23:30 on Saturday, January 25, which resulted in the start of a collaborative survey between ACSO, VSP and Woodrow Wilson Police Department, according to an ACSO release. The study reviewed surveillance recordings from Augusta County Public Schools and resolute Cruz went illegally on school property – Wilson Middle School, Wilson High School and Valley Career and Technical Center – after surgery. According to the release, recordings showed that Cruz approached exterior doors and tried to come in and look inside, “which indicates efforts to gain unauthorized access.”

ACSO said Cruz was arrested without incident on Tuesday and later indicted for three wrongdoing with violation.

“Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is obliged to secure the security and security of our community,” said Sheriff Donald Smith. “We encourage all residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.”

According to court documents, Cruz is the brother of Nikolas Cruz, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2022 for performing the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, who left 17 people died and wounded 17 others.

Zachary’s lawyer, Amina Matheny-Willard, said in a Facebook commentary who shared with WHSV that he was released and claimed he was “false imprisoned in violation of his 4th amendment constitutional right to illegal seizure and detention.” Matheny-Willard also told WHSV that they intend to sue Augusta County Sheriff’s Office about this situation.

Zachary was originally held without bond in the Middle River Regional Prison, says the release. The Court Registers confirm that he is no longer in custody after a consultation on Thursday.

This is an evolving story. WHSV will provide updates as more details are available.